Lewis Hamilton has said that he feels "positive" following the first day of practice for this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver, who is the pre-season favourite to win the drivers' title in 2014, missed the first session with a sensor problem, but posted the fastest time in the afternoon practice.

The Briton told Sky Sports News: "It would have been great to have P1 but I got enough running in P2 and I feel comfortable in the car. It was a good day, I got a good understanding of the track and the car, and I feel positive.

"To be honest, I've not looked at anyone else today. Going into P2 I felt very uncomfortable, I felt very raw, but fortunately I could get up to speed quickly.

"The good thing about F1 is that the goalposts are always moving, particularly this year with the new cars. It's almost like a PlayStation game at the same time as trying to drive the perfect lap. You need a degree to understand the steering wheel and I've had to do a lot studying."

Qualifying for the first race of the season takes place tomorrow morning.